Invisalign Orthodontics in Redmond

How Clear Aligners Work

Invisalign is a proven method for straightening teeth using a series of custom-made, nearly undetectable aligners. Each aligner is a thin, clear plastic tray made to fit snugly over your teeth. Every set is shaped slightly differently from the one before, so it applies gentle, controlled pressure that moves certain teeth a small amount. When you switch to the next set, your teeth keep moving, step by step, toward their planned final position.

There are no metal wires or brackets, and the aligners come out when you eat, drink anything other than water, brush and floss, so you can still enjoy your favorite foods and keep your teeth clean easily.

Who Can Benefit

Adults account for nearly 25% of all orthodontic patients! Clear aligners are commonly used for:

• Crowded teeth
• Teeth spaced too far apart
• Protruding upper or lower teeth
• Upper and lower front teeth that do not touch (an open bite)
• Some overbites, underbites and crossbites

Wondering whether aligners would work for you? Read Is Invisalign Right for Me?

Your Consultation and Scan

Treatment starts with a consultation. Your dentist examines your teeth, gums and bite, takes any needed X-rays and photos, and talks with you about what you’d like to change. Teeth and gums need to be healthy before orthodontic treatment begins, so any cavities or gum problems are usually treated first. Then, instead of a putty impression, we take a digital scan of your teeth to create a precise 3D model.

Your Custom Treatment Plan

Using 3D computer software, Dr. Lam-Gershony plans how each tooth should move and in what order. The plan is sent to Invisalign, which translates it into your series of medical-grade plastic aligners. You can view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your teeth are expected to move from beginning to end.

Wearing Your Aligners

Aligners only work while they’re in your mouth, so they are typically worn 20 to 22 hours a day. Take them out only to eat, to drink anything besides plain water, and to brush and floss. You’ll switch to a new set on the schedule your dentist gives you, often every week or two. Wearing them less than directed can slow progress or keep teeth from moving as planned.

Rinse your aligners whenever you take them out and clean them gently each day. Brush your teeth before putting them back in so food isn’t trapped against your teeth.

Attachments

Many treatment plans use attachments: small, tooth-colored bumps of composite bonded to certain teeth. They give the aligners something to grip, which helps with movements such as rotating a tooth. Attachments are placed with a template that fits over your teeth, and they are polished off when treatment is finished. Some plans also call for gently smoothing between a few teeth to create a small amount of space.

Check-Ins Along the Way

You’ll have periodic check-in visits so your dentist can make sure your teeth are “tracking,” meaning moving as planned, and that the aligners fit well. This is also a good time to ask questions about wearing and caring for your aligners.

Refinements

Sometimes a few teeth don’t move exactly as planned. If so, your dentist can take a new scan and order additional aligners, called refinements, to fine-tune the result.

Retainers After Treatment

Teeth naturally tend to shift back toward their old positions. When active treatment ends, you’ll wear a retainer to hold your teeth in their new places. Your dentist will explain how often to wear it, which is usually every night at first. Retainers are a long-term part of keeping your new smile straight.